Middle School Academic Director and Teacher

About First State Squash:

First State Squash is a not-for-profit youth development organization based in Wilmington, DE. First State Squash seeks to support Wilmington youth to achieve and sustain personal academic success, physical wellness and matriculation and graduation from post-secondary institutions. First State Squash’s year-round program offers longitudinal, tuition-free academic programming, squash instruction and cultural and community service opportunities for 85 students currently in sixth through eleventh grades.

The Opportunity:

The Middle School Academic Director and Teacher is responsible for leading the 6th – 8th grade academic and enrichment programming at First State Squash. The role will support a cohort of approximately 60 students leading enrichment sessions and homework sessions for middle school students. Additionally, the Middle School Academic Director and Teacher plays a critical role in supporting 8th grade students with their high school planning and applications. The Middle School Academic Director and Teacher is an integral member of the First State Squash team and will work closely with other team members to provide holistic and individualized support to all students. The AD will report to FSS’s Executive Director. 

Key Responsibilities include: 

• Ensure the school success of current middle school students (6th through 8th) by leading homework help sessions and working with students individually as needed.
• Collaborate with FSS’s Academic Coordinator to ensure middle school students are achieving and/or maintaining academic success in and beyond the FSS classroom. 
• Plan, supervise, and direct impactful enrichment material suitable for a wide range of student aptitude.
• Develop and implement proper organization and study habits for all students.
• Create and uphold a structured, clear, and consistent classroom environment and a culture that nurtures rigorous academic growth.
• Initiate and maintain professional relationships with students, teachers and principals.
• Maintain relationships with students’ parents, keeping them involved in their child’s academic development.
• Lead First State Squash’s High School Placement program that includes the preparation of application, financial aid materials and the coordination of test-prep services for the organization’s 8th grade cohort.
• Collaborate with First State Squash’s ED to manage the program’s internal database that records and tracks all student and family information, data regarding each student’s achievements in the classroom and attendance.
• Recruit and train a team of proactive volunteers to aid in daily tutoring sessions.
• Cultivate meaningful relationships with First State Squash students and their families that enhance their understanding of the college process and First State Squash’s continuing support.

Shared Program Staff Responsibilities include:

• Provide after-school transportation in our 10/12-passenger van for students to the facility, and for other special events and weekend trips.
• Collaborate with all FSS staff for annual 5th/6th grade recruitment efforts. 
• Chaperone weekend field trips (community service projects, matches, tournaments, college campus visits) as needed.
• Assist with occasional project work to support and raise visibility of the organization; attend and help plan important First State Squash events and functions.

Qualifications: 

Candidates should possess the following: Bachelor’s Degree; a passion for educational opportunity; previous teaching/classroom experience and lesson planning, a plus; commitment to empowering historically marginalized populations and first generation college going students; high level of energy, curiosity, creativity and willingness to grow; outstanding organizational and interpersonal skills; interest in building deep staff and student relationships within and beyond the classroom; results-oriented approach with impeccable attention to detail; valid driver’s license and clean driving record (candidates must be comfortable driving students in a 10/12-passenger van).

Hours + Schedule:

School year (Sept. – mid-June): During the academic year (September- June), the work day typically begins at 10:30 am and ends around 6:15pm, Monday through Friday. This role may also be asked to support FSS staff chaperone overnight trips. One-to-one comp days are provided for overnight/8-hour events that take place on weekends.

Summer (Mid-June – Aug.): The summer work day begins at approximately 9am and ends at 5pm.

Compensation, Benefits and Vacation:

Salary: Annual salary, starting at $50,000, consummate with experience.

Benefits: A generous benefits plan includes health & dental coverage and a 3% Simple IRA match.

Vacation: The position includes 5 weeks of paid vacation annually (with some restrictions) and 5 personal days. 

Some but not all national holidays are off.

Commitment:

First State Squash values long-term, deep, impactful work with youth. It takes years to cultivate strong, positive relationships and staff retention is a critical component of organizational success. This is not a transitional role or a stepping stone, and there are many ways to grow within the organization. FSS expects a multi-year commitment, contingent on successful assumption of responsibilities and positive performance reviews.

How to Apply: 

Email resume, and two references to owen.butler@firststatesquash.org. No calls please.

First State Squash is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not tolerate workplace discrimination or harassment of any kind. All employment decisions are made based on ability and qualifications of applicants for the particular position and are made without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, gender identity, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, military service, or other applicable legally protected characteristics. First State Squash encourages all interested applicants to apply to join our team.